Colchester: British Paras remember those they lost in the long Afghan conflict

The troops were paraded at Colchester's Merville Barracks today. Credit: British Army

One thousand troops, with one thing in common.

They all spent time on deployment to Afghanistan and saw the impact of a war against the Taliban.

Today's parade was not only to mark the arrival home of the last members of the brigade in December but also to remember the 58 soldiers who died in combat.

Also present were members of the Army air corps based at Wattisham.

Members of 16 Air Assault Brigade formally marked the end of their time helping to overthrow the Taliban. Credit: British Army

Their apache helicopters remained in Afghanistan from 2006 until 2014.

Their ability to provide precision strikes and escort and support air and land troops proved invaluable to the mission.

British troops may no longer be in Afghanistan but we still live in an uncertain world and the Brigade is prepared for whatever conflict comes next.

Click below to watch a report from ITV News Anglia's Kate Prout